Cromwell Prepares For Hurricane Sandy

Will Decide Sunday Whether To Open Shelter

CROMWELL — If Hurricane Sandy strikes as expected, the town will open a shelter at Town Hall and move it to Cromwell High School if more than 100 people seek refuge, town officials said.

The town had not yet decided Saturday evening when or whether to activate the shelter, First Selectwoman Mertie Terry said.

“We’re kind of playing that by ear,” Terry said.

Town Hall is located at 41 West St., and the high school is at 34 Evergreen St.

Terry said that the town would closely monitor water levels along the Connecticut River, especially the Main Street and River Road area, during the storm. Emergency personnel are ready to evacuate residents if necessary, she said.

The town will open its emergency operations center at the police station as soon as the storm hits, Terry said.

Terry urged residents to stockpile three days of nonperishable food and drinking water, especially if they have wells dependent on electricity. Residents should also have a supply of batteries, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, medications, first aid kits, a family emergency plan and tools such as a wrench and pliers.

Terry also suggested a whistle to alert emergency personnel.

Terry praised town employees for their hard work in preparing for the story.

“I have to say the town and the crews and the emergency management team are being very responsible,” she said. “We’re in pretty good shape.”

Residents with concerns or needing assistance can call the first selectman’s office at (860) 632-3410.